How much does it cost to install a driveway gate?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Once reserved for the mansions of the wealthy, driveway gates have become a popular upgrade and renovation project for many homeowners. A driveway gate can enhance your property’s security, elevate your home’s curb appeal, and increase your property value. It may even earn you a reduction on your homeowner’s insurance rate. Your price for a driveway gate is determined largely by your material choice, gate size, and whether it is automatic or manual.

The national average cost for installing a driveway gate ranges from $1,000 to $6,000. Most homeowners pay $4,000 for an installed 12’ x 6’ automatic double wooden swinging gate. On the low end, you can have a 10’ x 6’ manual chain link swinging gate installed for as little as $400. At the high end of the spectrum, installing a custom automatic 16’ x 8’ aluminum swinging gate with a keypad and intercom system costs up to $12,000.

Driveway Gate Installation Costs

Driveway Gate Prices by Operation Method

You can expect to spend between $700 and $5,000 on the driveway gate you choose based on its method of operation. Driveway gates can be operated in one of two ways: manual or automatic. Manual gates are less expensive than the average automatic driveway gate. Automatic driveway gates require additional automation components, including a power source, motor, and entry type (which may also require sensors, remote controls, or keypads). On the other hand, with an automatic gate, you do not have to get out of your car to open it when you pull into the driveway. The table below shows a broad range of what to expect for materials and installation of each type of gate.

Cost of a Driveway Gate by Size

You can anticipate spending $200 to $9,000 on materials alone for a driveway gate based on its size. Gate size is one of the biggest determining factors for cost. Gate heights are usually 6’ or 8’. Choosing an 8’ gate over a 6’ gate increases the price by 20%. The gate width you choose depends on the width of your driveway and the size of the automobiles that are usually going through. You can find gates in larger sizes for vehicles like RVs, but those are less common. Common gate widths and their average prices, excluding installation, can be found in the table below.

Driveway Gate Cost by Material

The material of your driveway gate will impact its cost, ranging from $180 to $9,000, on average. When you install a driveway gate, it becomes a part of your landscape and can enhance your home’s curb appeal. Gates come in many materials, each with pros and cons. The material you select is one of the main determining factors of your overall cost. Some of the most common materials and their average prices are listed below. Prices exclude installation costs and include automation equipment costs for the automatic gates.

Chain Link Driveway Gate

Chain link gates cost $180 to $1,000 for a manual gate or $730 to $5,500 for an automatic gate. Chain link gates are entry-level driveway gates made of an inexpensive and durable material. They often come in galvanized steel but are also available in color-coated steel and aluminum. The galvanization process treats the metal to help prevent rusting. Chain link is less aesthetically appealing and offers less security for the property. However, it offers a simple option for those who need minimal protection with a limited budget. Those who want more visual security will want to choose a different material.

Vinyl Driveway Gate

Vinyl driveway gates usually cost $200 to $1,100 for a manual gate or $750 to $5,600 for an automatic gate. Vinyl driveway gates are another inexpensive, low-maintenance option that does not rust or rot. Vinyl is a synthetic material with very versatile design properties that can be customized to suit your property. However, vinyl is less durable in temperature extremes than other gate materials. Vinyl may become brittle and crack in cold weather or soften and warp in hot weather.

Wooden Driveway Gates

Wood driveway gates usually cost $300 to $4,000 for a manual gate or $850 to $8,500 for an automatic gate. Wood driveway gates are very strong, heavy, and beautiful. They come in many styles and can enhance your home’s curb appeal. Many privacy gates are made of wood because they naturally lend to attractive designs that block the view into your driveway. Wood gates are more maintenance-intensive than other materials, requiring frequent painting or staining to protect their surfaces from weathering, cracking, and warping. Moisture, insect, and sun damage can all deteriorate the sealant that the gate comes coated in from the factory, so regular maintenance is vital.

Steel Driveway Gate

On average, steel driveway gates cost $600 to $4,000 for a manual gate or $1,150 to $8,500 for an automatic gate. Steel is another common driveway gate material that is durable, low-maintenance, and versatile. It offers a modern look without the expense of the maintenance that comes with some materials, but they may be limited in design options. Steel gates are stronger than wrought iron. Steel also resists corrosion and rust without needing the coatings that iron gates require.

Iron Driveway Gate

The average cost of a wrought iron driveway gate is $600 to $4,000 for a manual gate or $1,150 to $8,600 for an automatic gate. Many wrought iron driveway gates are among the most ornamental and elaborately designed. Thanks to the versatility of this metal, iron can also be fashioned into gates with simple, classic lines. Wrought iron is a very durable material, but it requires maintenance. Gates must be cleaned and coated regularly to prevent rust. These gates are also heavier, more difficult to install, and more expensive than other materials.

Composite Driveway Gates

If you choose a composite material, you will spend between $800 and $5,000 for a manual gate or $1,200 to $9,000 for an automatic gate. Composite materials are preferred for their low maintenance needs but are also somewhat expensive compared to other materials. Today, there are composites made to look like several other materials. The exact composite product you choose and the size and type of gate you have installed determine what you pay. Composite gates require less maintenance and are more durable but may be more expensive to repair or replace.

Aluminum Driveway Gate

Aluminum driveway gates usually cost $1,800 to $4,100 for a manual gate or $2,350 to $8,600 for an automatic gate. Homeowners looking for a lightweight driveway gate often select aluminum. The lighter weight makes aluminum gates less prone to sagging and misalignment. They are also easier to open manually. Aluminum is low-maintenance since it will not rust. However, when not properly treated, aluminum gates are not as durable and sturdy as other materials. Aluminum is also a more expensive material option.

Driveway Gate Prices by Opening Mechanism

There are multiple options for an opening mechanism, ranging in cost from $500 to $9,000. Not every driveway gate opens the same way. Gates are designed to swing, slide, or open in an overhead manner. The right gate for your driveway depends on the amount of space you have on either side of the gate, what material you want, the gate’s length, how often you use the gate, and your driveway’s slope. The gate type you choose is a determining factor in your cost. In the table below, you’ll see a breakdown of the costs for each type for materials only.

Sliding Driveway Gate

You will find that a sliding driveway gate costs $500 to $5,150, depending on the size of the gate and other factors. Sliding gates slide to the left and/or right of the driveway when opened, rolling on a track mounted to the gate. This reduces the space a gate takes up and eliminates the need for clearance for a swinging gate. It also offers better security because it is harder to force open. These work on steep driveways and in areas where swinging gates may not reach. What you pay depends on the type and size of your sliding gate. The table below shows the prices for single and double sliding gates, excluding installation but including automation parts for the automatic sliding gate option.

Overhead Driveway Gate

Expect to pay an average of $500 to $3,000 plus installation for a manual overhead driveway gate. Costs for automatic overhead driveway gates range from $1,050 to $9,000. There are two styles of overhead gate designs. The first is a sliding door with the track on the top, like a barnyard door. This type of overhead mounted gate works well. The second overhead door style works by moving up to open and down to close in a vertical lift and pivot motion, much like your standard overhead garage door. This gate comes automated and is well-suited for installations where the homeowner does not have sufficient room for a sliding or swinging gate. It is very secure but expensive to install and is more common in commercial rather than residential areas.

Swinging Driveway Gate

You will spend between $500 and $8,500 for a swinging driveway gate, depending on its mechanism and size. Swinging driveway gates are attached to vertical supports and swing in or out on a hinge. Homeowners with limited property space outside their gate do well with an inward swinging gate. Those with short or upward sloping driveways inside the gate may prefer outward swinging styles. Swinging gates come in single-swing or double-swing models. Your gate price varies depending on the swinging gate you select. The prices below exclude installation and include automation components for the automatic gates.

Custom Driveway Gate Cost

Some people choose to have a custom driveway gate installed, which has a cost ranging from $2,000 to $12,000 or more, depending on the various features, the gate material and size, and other factors. Some people opt to have a custom driveway gate created and installed because they have an unusual driveway or cannot find a prefabricated gate they like. Custom gates enhance property values and offer something more unique. They make it easy for people to get what they want when the budget is less of a concern.

Driveway Gate Installation Cost

Of the average $4,000 to install a driveway gate, between $750 and $2,500 will make up the cost of installation. If an automated opener is being installed, that incurs a lot of installation costs and could add professionals to the list you need to contact. Driveway gate installation is typically done by one of three types of companies: fence installers, handymen, and manufacturers or direct distributors that sell and install gates with packages available. Depending on who you hire, your installation costs may be higher or lower.

Gate installation teams generally charge by the hour. Costs range from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on who is doing the work and what needs to be done. Electric gates may require you to hire an electrician to handle wiring and other electrical elements, which can add to the cost. Although it is possible to DIY this project, it’s best left to the professionals. The area will be measured, and a proper gate will be chosen. Then, post holes will be dug, and the gate posts will be set. Next, all hardware and gates are installed, automatic openers are mounted, and additional accessories are added. The gate will be tested once the installation is complete to ensure everything is in working order before your installation expert leaves.

Driveway Gate Replacement Cost

If someone is replacing a driveway gate instead of having a new installation performed, it could cost from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the labor involved in removing the old gate and what kind of replacement you are making. If you have a driveway gate but it is old or not in working order, a replacement may be a better idea than a repair. It might also just be time to update the look of the home. Some people choose to update to a custom driveway gate or an automatic gate with premium smart features, which causes replacement costs to be at the higher end of the price range.

Shapes of Driveway Gates

One of the most visually distinctive features of each driveway is its shape. Not every driveway gate is straight across on the top and bottom. Gates are often curved or angular, but they can also be custom shaped. The most common driveway gate shapes are the standard arc, inverted arc, valley, peak, bell curve, and high-low. The gate shape does not significantly impact the price.

Standard or inverted arc gates usually have the highest or lowest point at the center, creating the arc appearance implied in the name. Peak and valley gates are similar but have hard ‘V’ shapes instead of curves. Bell curves look more like a bell with flared ends on a standard arc, while high-low gates have alternating heights on the top with an even bottom to create visual interest.

Styles of Driveway Gates

You get to choose your material, size, and shape and also must select the aesthetic style. Your driveway gate’s style is important because it creates the first impression as visitors approach your home. Whether rustic, modern, or artistic, you can easily find a gate to suit your home. Farm-style driveway gates have a casual country feel. They look rustic and are traditionally made of wood. Ranch-style driveway gates are similar to farm-style but are often larger and more stately.

Craftsman-style driveway gates offer unique details in the woodworking that reflect that classic craftsman style. Art deco driveway gates fit right into the 1920’s vibe and offer elaborate, unique designs. Estate driveway gates are among the tallest and most elegant gates available today, featuring automated openings, security features, and even an intercom. Finally, you have the picket-style gate, which resembles the typical picket fence with evenly-spaced planks to provide a simple yet stylish finish.

Maintenance

Driveway gates generally require minimal maintenance to stay in peak operating condition. The gate material and operational type dictate the maintenance needs. For example, a wood gate needs to be annually checked for flaking paint or stain. An iron gate requires a rust inspection. The hinges of all gates should be lubricated with a high-quality silicone lubricant. The systems of automatic gates should also be inspected at least annually. If your system relies on a battery, check the battery status and replace it as necessary.

Regularly washing your gate and applying waxes or other protectants prevents fading and damage. Other maintenance chores include tightening gate hinges and lubricating hinges, chains, and wheels. There is some maintenance that you can do on your own. However, hiring a professional to handle the maintenance associated with automatic gates and opener systems will be best. They know how to handle repairs and maintenance and how to work safely and effectively.

Cost of a Swing Gate vs a Sliding Gate

You will pay $1,800 to $7,650 for the installation of a sliding gate, as opposed to the $2,500 to $8,500 charged for swinging driveway gates. Sliding gates are the more affordable option, usually, but they need a place to slide. If you are limited on space, you may want a swinging gate that swings wide open and does not need to be pushed to the side. Swinging gates sometimes sag but offer a more stylish appearance. When properly installed, swinging and sliding gates aren’t much different aside from the few things mentioned here. Below is a table with the costs for each type of fence.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Intercom

Intercom systems allow those at the gate to call and ask if you can open the gate. They cost from $1,000 to $7,000 to install. Systems with especially long ranges or multiple intercom stations are the most expensive. Simple intercoms and speakers are less expensive but may not have as many built-in features as the longer-range and higher-end models. Adding an intercom makes access even easier.

Exit Probes

Exit probes are motion detectors that sense when your car is about to exit the gate. They typically cost $250 to $350. Their motion detection ranges are 50’ to 100’ or more. Longer ranges are set at the higher end because of the materials and installation considerations. Some gates have built-in probes or sensors. However, if you want to upgrade your gate, this could be an enhancement to consider.

Paint

Painting increases the gate cost by 10% to 25%. Painters usually charge between $25 to $100 per hour. Adding paint to your gate can be done when you order it or on-site, depending on the type of gate and material present. For example, composite or metal gates will be painted to order, while a wood gate may be painted on site. Paint protects your gate, allows you to customize the color, and helps create a look that complements your curb appeal.

Cameras

Installing cameras costs $125 to $2,000 per unit. One of the main reasons for installing a driveway gate is the added security it provides. Improve this security benefit by adding cameras to your gate so that you can easily see who is attempting to access your property. For best results, use cameras designed for outdoors with a waterproof rating. Long-range night vision and high-definition functionality add to the price but give a clearer picture of who or what is approaching your gate.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Warranty. Many companies provide warranties for gates and gate accessories. Warranty terms vary by company. Some may offer extended warranty packages for $50 or more.
• Permits. In some areas, especially those that are part of a homeowner’s association, permits may be required for driveway gate installations. Check with your local authorities or HOA before ordering a gate and scheduling installation.
• RV gates. RV gates are available for larger vehicles when you need more room to maneuver in and around the gate. In most cases, these gates are taller than standard gates to offer more privacy protection. Most of these gates are automatic and cost $1,000 to $9,000.
• Lifespan. Driveway gates can last up to 20 years or longer with regular maintenance and care. If the gates are automatic, those components provide 10 to 15 years of use before they need replacement or upgrades.

References

• Craftsman Book Company. National Home Improvement Estimator, Ed. by Ray F. Hicks (Carlsbad, CA, 2021).
• Craftsman Book Company. National Renovation & Insurance Repair Estimator, Ed. by Jonathan Russell (Carlsbad, CA, 2021).
• Craftsman Book Company. National Repair & Remodeling Estimator, Ed. by Joshua Paxton (Carlsbad, CA, 2021).
• FIXR Cost Guides and Cost Database.
• Gate Depot. “Steel Driveway Gates.”
  https://www.gatedepot.com/gates-fencing/steel-driveway-gates
• Lowe’s. “Driveway Gates.”
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• Realty Times. “Adding Value To Your Home With A Gate."
  https://realtytimes.com/advicefromtheexpert/item/50319-adding-value-to-your-home-with-a-gate
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